Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Author Spotlight: Implications of Non-Nutritive Sucking on Speech Emergence and Infant Development
Published on: April 19, 2024
Providing Education About Skin-To-Skin Contact Significantly Increased Duration of Skin-To-Skin Contact for Newborns
Maria Wickström1, Paola Oras1, Maria Lundgren1
1Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Aim:
Skin-to-skin contact postpartum has many well-documented benefits, but there is a lack of evidence on effective strategies to enhance the practices and on the duration of skin-to-skin contact beyond the first hour postpartum. This study aimed to determine if an educational breastfeeding programme for healthcare professionals and parents could increase skin-to-skin contact duration in newborns.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental design with baseline and intervention measurements was used in two clinics. Newborns between 37 + 0 and 42 + 0 weeks gestation were included. The intervention involved targeted training for healthcare professionals and an educational package on breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact for parents.
Results:
211 parents recorded a diary and skin-to-skin contact duration with the mother on day one increased from 12.9 h in the baseline group to 14.6 h in the intervention group (p = 0.009). The proportion of newborns receiving nearly continuous skin-to-skin contact (> 20 h) increased from 33% to 58% (p = 0.001). Newborns who had more skin-to-skin contact on day one were held more frequently by parents at 2 months.
Conclusions:
The intervention increased skin-to-skin contact duration and the proportion of newborns receiving nearly continuous skin-to-skin contact during the first 24 h. Enhancing skin-to-skin contact is essential and the programme could positively impact family health.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:19Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail...
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
01:19Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...